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      Apostrophes and speech punctuation revision

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can practise apostrophes and speech punctuation test questions.

      Key learning points

      1. An apostrophe is an important punctuation mark with more than one purpose.
      2. Speech sentences can be punctuated a variety of ways: speech first, speech second and speech interrupted.
      3. When we avoid using apostrophes for contraction and use serious language, we can create a formal tone.

      Keywords

      • Apostrophe for contraction - a punctuation mark used to contract two words together

      • Apostrophe for possession - a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another noun

      • Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader

      • Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text

      • Formal tone - the effect created by choosing serious, factual language

      Common misconception

      Pupils may struggle to correctly use the apostrophe for plural possession.

      Remind pupils that whenever the noun doing the possessing ends in s, the apostrophe goes after the s.

      Teacher tip

      Complete lessons on apostrophes and direct speech can be found throughout our KS2 Grammar curriculum.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their synonyms.

      Correct Answer:local,nearby

      nearby

      Correct Answer:common,ordinary

      ordinary

      Correct Answer:juicy,succulent

      succulent

      Correct Answer:rough,coarse

      coarse

      Q2.
      Choose the right prefix to create an antonym of each word.

      Correct Answer:dis,contented

      contented

      Correct Answer:un,believable

      believable

      Correct Answer:im,mortal

      mortal

      Correct Answer:mis,fortune

      fortune

      Q3.
      Which word from this word family could complete the sentence? 'His __________ overwhelmed him and he sunk to his knees.'

      sad
      sadly
      Correct answer: sadness
      sadity

      Q4.
      What does the word 'them' refer to in this sentence? 'Me and Sam saw Alex and Jun and I waved at them.'

      I
      me
      Correct answer: Alex and Jun
      Me and Sam

      Q5.
      What word class is 'hers' in this sentence? 'That's my flat and this one is hers.'

      a subordinating conjunction
      Correct answer: a possessive pronoun
      a relative pronoun
      a preposition

      Q6.
      What are the three prepositions in this sentence? 'For three days, we worked on our essays and then we went to the beach.'

      Correct answer: for
      we
      on
      Correct answer: our
      Correct answer: to

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Tick the sentences that use an apostrophe for a contracted form.

      Correct answer: She'll be here in a minute.
      The boy's hat was all askew.
      Correct answer: They've given me a lot to think about.
      The children's coats were hung on their pegs.
      Correct answer: It's ridiculous how often I have to say this!

      Q2.
      Which of these contracted forms have the apostrophe in the correct position?

      theyd'
      Correct answer: should've
      should'nt
      Correct answer: wasn't

      Q3.
      Which sentence is the most formal?

      Let's get a move on, guys.
      Correct answer: I suggest we move more quickly now.
      Shall we get going?
      Time to get your things together, people!

      Q4.
      Match each sentence to the possession it shows.

      Correct Answer:The girls' shoes were black.,There is more than one girl.

      There is more than one girl.

      Correct Answer:The girl's beliefs were odd. ,There is only one girl.

      There is only one girl.

      Correct Answer:The tree's branches broke.,There is only one tree.

      There is only one tree.

      Correct Answer:The trees' leaves fell off. ,There is more than one tree.

      There is more than one tree.

      Q5.
      Which speech sentences are punctuated correctly?

      "Can I go out asked Jun."
      Correct answer: "When will you be ready?" asked Alex.
      Sam asked "can we leave yet?"
      Correct answer: Sofia wondered, "Is it time to go?"

      Q6.
      Which version of the sentence is correctly punctuated?

      Mr Martinez is always saying, "Just do your best"
      Mr Martinez is always saying, "just do your best!"
      Correct answer: Mr Martinez is always saying, "Just do your best!"
      Mr Martinez is always saying "just do your best!"

      To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Apostrophes and speech punctuation revision, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...